Instagram is still thought of as a feed of photos suggested by the algorithm first and foremost, but the app is also popular for messaging, too. If you want to take the stress out of remembering to send a birthday message to a friend, as part of the new update, you can now schedule Instagram messages old. Scheduled messages cannot contain media such as GIFs, photos or videos, but you can schedule them up to 29 days in advance on the Android and iOS versions of the app.

What are Instagram DMs?

If you stick to using Instagram as a repository for your smartphone photos, you may have missed the introduction of Directly on Instagram back in 2013, a direct messaging system integrated right into the Instagram app for sharing photos and videos with friends and family.

Meta has changed the look, location, and features of Instagram DMs over the years, connecting it Messenger in 2020and newer additions location sharing capabilities in November 2024. The addition of scheduled messages brings Instagram an additional line of messaging tools such as iMessage and Gmail.

How to schedule a message on Instagram

You can access DMs by tapping the arrow or chat bubble icon in the upper right corner of your feed. To schedule a message, select an existing chat or create a new message by tapping the new message icon in the upper right corner. Then fill in the text box with whatever you want to say, and tap and hold the blue arrow icon to the right of the text box.

Instagram will then take you through a series of dials that you can use to set the date and time you want your message to be sent. When you’re happy, tap the blue send button at the bottom of the menu and the message will be scheduled.

How to delete a scheduled message on Instagram

If you change your mind about a scheduled message, you can delete it directly from your chat. From within a chat, tap the small text that says “scheduled messages” above the text box. Then tap and hold the message you want to delete. From the dropdown menu that appears, tap “Delete” to remove the message.

How to edit a scheduled message on Instagram

If you want to edit your message instead of deleting it, things get a little more complicated. It becomes possible that edit normal Instagram messages in March 2024, but editing a scheduled message is currently not possible. There is a way to achieve the same effect if you’re willing to put in the extra work, though.

First, open the chat is the scheduled message you want to edit. Then tap “scheduled messages” near the bottom of the screen above the text box. Find the message you want to edit, then tap and hold it. Tap “Copy” from the menu bar to copy the text to your clipboard, then repeat the process and tap “Delete.”

With your copied message in hand, paste it into the text box of your current chat or a new message. Edit it however you see fit, then tap and hold the blue arrow to the right of the text box to reschedule it for your preferred date and time. Tap the send button at the bottom of the menu, and it will be scheduled.